ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF NEBRASKA
PROTOCOLS
DRAFT 02/28/2010
PROTOCOLS
This document is published to convey uniformity within the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
Exceptions are recognized in consideration to a brother's medical condition or personal needs.
These protocols are not part of the Constitutions, Regulations and By Laws of the Grand Lodge, therefore no penalty is sanctioned; but conformity is encouraged.
This document is not all definitive.
Compiled by:
WBro. Alvin Benemerito
Corrected by:
MW Scott Krieger, PGM
Grand Custodian
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Prayers
- Attitude of Prayer
- God
- Altar
- The Great Lights
- The Three Lesser Lights
- Balloting
- Calendar
- Candidates
- Columns
- Correspondence
- Cover
- Decorum During Lodge
- Decorum After Lodge
- Dress
- Door
- Due Form
- Due Guard and Sign
- Duties of Officers
- East
- Funerals
- Gavel and Raps
- Grand Honors
- Grips or Tokens
- Introductions
- Investigating Committee
- Lighting
- Meetings
- Personal Representative
- Properly Clothed
- Purging
- Ranks
- Remarks
- Rings
- Risings and Salutes
- Rods
- Titles
- Visitors
THE PROTOCOLS
I. PRAYERS
All Masonic undertakings, either public or during our private ceremonies, should begin and end with a prayer.
The Attitude of Prayer is executed when praying and dropped at the conclusion.
“So Mote It Be” is uttered as a reverential substitute to “Amen” at the conclusion of every prayer.
II. ATTITUDE OF PRAYER
The arms are crossed over the breast, the left over right.
Thepalms of each hand, with fingers extended, are placed over the opposite chest.
The head should be bowed reverently.
Placing the hands on the elbows is not in proper form.
TheAttitude of Prayer can executed while standing, seated or kneeling.
It is not executed when seated or kneeling.This is not correct, it can be used in both cases.
III. GOD
Prayers should be done without naming any one particular Deity so as not to alienate brethren of different religious conviction.
“The Grand Architect of the Universe“, “Supreme Architect of the Universe” or “Supreme Ruler of the Universe” are largely accepted addresses to Deity.
IV. ALTAR
The Altar must be situated in the center of the Lodge room.
Only the Volume of the Sacred Law, Square and Compass are to be found on it during Regular and Special Communications.
It is a general rule that no one is to cross between the Altar and Worshipful Master except in situations as stated on the ritual and the Continuous Floor Work Manual.
V. THE GREAT LIGHTS
Volume of Sacred Law (VSL)
The use of the Holy Bible is predominantly used in our jurisdiction. However, the Candidate is allowed to take his Obligation on the VSL of his choosing.
The size and dimensions of the VSL and the color of the ribbons or book markers are left to the Lodge's discretion.
A brother may request tohave the VSL of his Faith be displayed on the Altar.
The Senior Deacon is encouraged to find and position the book marker prior to the opening ceremony so as to eliminate awkwardness in looking for the exact page.
The proper handling of the VSL can be found on the Floor Work Manual.
The Holy Bible is opened on the following pages:
Entered Apprentice: Psalm 133
Fellow Craft: Amos, Chapter 7
Master Mason: Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12
Square and Compass
Their size, material and color are left to the Lodge's discretion.
Their position is dictated by the degree on which the Lodge is working.
The proper handling of the Square and Compass can be found on the Floor Work Manual.
Nebraska Ritual only uses the term compass. However, the term compasses is considered equally correct as used in literature.
VI. THREE LESSER LIGHTS
The Three Lesser Lights are situated South of the Altar.
The Lodge is at liberty to use candles or electric lights as they prefer.
The Lesser Lights are arranged in a triangular manner with the apex pointing to the North when the Lodge is closed and pointing to the South when the Lodge is opened.
When the Senior Deacon displays the lights - the candles are positioned first before it is turned on or ignited.
When the Senior Deacon attends the Altar - the lights are turned off or extinguished first before repositioning the candles.
VII. Balloting
Electing Candidates are done by secret ballot only. This process is done according to the Book of Ceremonies as published by Grand Lodge.
A ballot may only be spread during a Regular Communication of the Lodge and is opened in the Master Mason's Degree.
Only Master Masons of the Lodge in good standing are allowed to object or vote.
A unanimous vote is required for a Candidate to be admitted.
The Worshipful Master casts the first ballot.
The Senior Deacon casts the last ballot.
The Worshipful Master casts the first ballot and followed by the Senior Deacon. Thisis not correct the S.D. ballots last.
The Senior Deacon handles the ballot box and collects the ballot from each brother. The direction of the ballot is left to the discretion of the Lodge.
The Senior Deacon handles the ballot box with his right hand and collects the ballot from each brother starting at the southeast corner of the Lodge. This is not correct, it is up to the lodge in what direction the ballot is carried, therefore it could be in his left hand, he may start in the north-east corner also.
After all have voted, the Senior Deacon holds the ballot at the Altar. Ballots himself, then makes report.
After all have voted, the Senior Deacon holds the ballot box over the Volume of Sacred Law on the Altar then reports to the Worshipful Master.This is not correct he hold it at the alter and ballots himself, then makes report.
Casting a vote is done while standing.
No member is allowed to discuss the nature of his vote at any time.
If an objection is made, prior to any conferral, the degree is to cease immediately and no discussion or explanation is expected from the brother objecting.
An applicant whose petition has been rejected may reapply for membership after (6) sixmonths.
VIII. CALENDAR
The Masonic calendar begins at the creation of the world, styling it “Anno Lucis” or the “In the Year of Light.”
This date is attained by adding 4000 to the common year. “Anno Domini” or the “Year of the Lord” A:.D:. 2009 becomes A:.L:. 6009.
IX. CANDIDATES
A Candidate must signify a belief in a Supreme Being. This being the first question the Investigating Committee should inquire.
A Candidate must be informed of his duties and responsibilities to the Lodge. This should include the time required to attend meetings, financial obligations, etc.
All Fees required should accompany the Candidates Petition.
During the Entered Apprentice degree, care should be taken, so as not to have the Candidate approach the Altar when being conducted to pray for the first time.
A Candidate must study and answer, at the minimum, The Standard Proficiency Manual as established by Grand Lodge, before being advanced to the next degree.No Lodge or Brother can demand of the Candidate what is beyond The Standard Proficiency Manual. The Candidate can however volunteer to do so.
X. COLUMNS
A small column is placed on top of the Warden's pedestal.
Their material and color are left to the Lodge's discretion.
The column is positioned on the right hand of the officer and should not obstruct the sight between the Warden and Candidate.
The placement and position of the column on top of the pedestal is left to the Lodges discretion. But it should not obstruct the sight between the Warden and Candidate. This is incorrect the column is placed on the right hand of the officer.
XI. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence with other Grand Lodges and Subordinate Lodges of other Grand Jurisdictions should be directed and channeled to the office of our Grand Secretary.
XII. COVER
Only Worshipful Master is entitled to wear a hat when the Lodge is at Labor.
The Worshipful Master uncovers:
During prayers
When mentioning God/Deity
Saluting the Flag
When scriptures are read during the Candidate's perambulation
When receiving the Grand Master
The right hand is generally used when handling the hat.
The right hand is generally used when handling the hat, except during the Declaration (and when explaining the working tool on the EA degree.)And several other places
The hat is held by the brim when it is placed over the heart.
Brethren maybe covered during outdoor degrees or ceremonies, with the permission from the Worshipful Master.
XIII. DECORUM DURING LODGE
Brethren are to attend all Regular and Special Communications of his Lodge.
Apologies for not attending are encouraged.
It is the obligation of every Officer to make arrangements for a substitute if he is unable to attend a meeting.
Discussion of the merits and faults of any religious doctrine is prohibited.
Discussion of any partisan politics is prohibited.
Brothers are to enter the Lodge through the door of the reception room.
Brethren are to sit upright with feet properly planted to the floor.
A Brother may only speak after being acknowledged by the Worshipful Master.
Prompting during any degree or ceremony should only be provided by the appointed prompter.
There is no place for private conversations, laughing, horse playing, side comments or any boisterous conductwhen Lodge is in session.
Unnecessary movements about the Lodge during conferral of degrees are strictly prohibited.
Talking and texting with the use of portable electronic devices are discouraged. This precludes scheduling, silencing or powering off.
XIV. DECORUM AFTER LODGE
Freemasons are moral men and treats everyone with respect.
Care should be taken not to use words or actions relating to Ritual in the presence of non Masons.
Fellowship after the Labors are a custom, but no one should be hindered or restricted from leaving as he pleases.
Defamation, slander or profanity in any form is never tolerated.
Any brother should only rebuke another, for failure to observe proper decorum, after the Lodge is closed and in private.
XV. DRESS
This Grand Jurisdiction is silent on a Dress Code. However, dark business suit is encouraged, even for the side-liners.
Informing your visitor of such a custom, if your Lodge have a Dress Code, is considered courteous so as not to make him feel out of place.
Wearing of Lapel pins is a tradition. The number of pins worn at one time is left to one's own determination.
Wearing of Lapel pins is a tradition.However, do keep the number minimal. I don’t believe there is anyone who can make this determination.
XVI. DOOR
The Master may turn the door over to the Senior Warden, if he chooses. Done only:
- After the Senior Deacon and Stewards are seated, after propounding the questions to the Candidate in the Entered Apprentice degree.
- After the Opening Ceremony of the Fellow Craft and Master Masons degree.
Handling of the door is done with the right hand.
The Junior Deacon answers and acknowledges knocks on the reception room door.
The Junior Deacon does not knock on the door when letting a committee or a brother retire while a Lodge is in session.
The Junior Deacon acknowledges a knockfrom the outside - with a single knock,whenever the lodge is at a point when it should not be disturbed, through any part of the meeting. (Example includes the opening/closing ceremonies, during obligations, etc.) He reports the alarm to the Master only after the Lodge is done with the ceremony.
The Junior Deacon acknowledges a knock from the outside - with a single knock, when the opening and closing ceremonies are taking place. He reports the alarm to the Master only after the Lodge is done with the opening ceremony.This is done when ever the lodge is at a point when it should not be disturbed, through any part of the meeting
The Senior Deacon answers and acknowledges alarms on the preparation room door.
The Senior Deacon does not knock when re-entering from the preparation room.
XVII. DUE FORM
Achieving a comfortable due form is relative to the Senior Deacon positioning the kneeling pad 4 inches away from the Altar and moved slightly offset to the North during the EA degree and slightly offset to the South in the FC degree.
All Due Form are followed as explained in the Ritual.
I disagree with the explanation here the Hip is not part of the degree at all. Right knee is forming a square to the south, However I don’t think this should be spelled out here at all.
XVIII. DUE GUARD AND SIGN
Only the head is turned, and not the entire body, when the Junior Warden orders the brethren to "Look to the East."
Theyare executed in a four count stage.
Execute theThis should not be in here!!!!!
Brethren entering a Lodge while in session must be specifically informed by the Tyler of the degree the Lodge is opened on so he can salute the Worshipful Master with the appropriate due guard and sign.
XIX. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
All officers are to strictly comply, abide by and enforce the Constitution, Laws and Edicts of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
All officers are to strictly comply, abide by and enforce the By-Laws of his Lodge.
Worshipful Master
Duties: Directs all of the business of the Lodge; he is in charge of all the Lodge furniture and implements; he is the custodian of the Charter; and presides over the ritual and ceremonies.
Senior Warden
Duties: Assists in the government of the Lodge in the presence of the Master; and, governs it in the Master's absence.
Junior Warden
Duties: Is charged with the supervision of the Lodge while it is in recess for meals or other social purposes.
Treasurer
Duties: To keep records of accounts; and pay bills with the approval of the Lodge.
Secretary
Duties: Issues 'Summons'; record meeting minutes; completing statistical returns to the Grand Lodge; advises the Worshipful Master on matters of procedure; collect annual dues from the members and deposit it to the Treasurer; to observe the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure.
Chaplain
Duties: The principal role of the Chaplain is to lead prayer before and after the lodge meeting, and to say grace while the lodge is at dinner.
Senior Deacon
Duties: To welcome and accommodate visiting brethren; to receive and conduct Candidates; to carry orders from the Master to the Senior Warden.
Junior Deacon
Duties: To guard the entrance of the Lodge and is therefore the only one in charge of handling the door; to see that no one enter or retire from the Lodge without the permission of the Worshipful Master; to carry messages from the Senior Warden to the Junior Warden.
Senior and Senior Steward
Duties:To assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their respective duties; and when the Lodge is at refreshment to extend to visiting brethren such attentions as circumstances shall suggest.
Marshal
Duties:To organize, form and conduct all processions; to make proclamations when directed to do so, and to conduct such other duties as the Worshipful Master shall direct.
Organist
Duties:To provide musical accompaniment to lodge proceedings under the direction of the Worshipful Master.
Tyler
Duties:To guard the door from the outside, with a drawn sword, and ensure that only those who are duly qualified manage to gain entry into the lodge meeting. The Tyler is traditionally responsible for preparing the lodge room before the meeting, and for storing and maintaining the regalia after the meeting.
XX. EAST
The East is a representation only and not considered the exact direction of a compass.
Only the head is turned, and not the entire body, when the Junior Warden orders the brethren to "Look to the East."
Turning the body to the East is appropriate when Saluting the Flag and when giving Grand Honors.
XXI. FUNERALS
All Freemasons who are in good standing are entitled to a Masonic Funeral Service.
The Masonic Funeral Service should be open to all non-Masons.
It is a duty of every Freemason to attend a funeral of a Brother Mason, be he known to him or not, if he is in the geographical area of the services.
Freemasons should be properly clothed, with an Apron, when attending such service in any capacity. (Example: Pastor, Usher, Cantor, Choir Member, Color Guard, Pall Bearer, Funeral Director, etc.)
The use of Dress Aprons are highly encouraged.
The use of the Lodge Jewels and Dress Aprons are highly encouraged. I don’t believe jewels are ever to be used at a funeral.
Heads should be uncovered except in the official capacity. (Example: Rabbi, Color Guards, etc.)
The Worshipful Master has the option of wearing his hat during the services but should uncover accordingly.